Male Anatomy

and How contraceptives Work in Men

Penis

Male sex organ made of spongy tissue. When a man becomes sexually excited, it grows larger and stiffens. Semen, containing sperm, is released from the penis (ejaculation) at the height of sexual excitement (orgasm). A male condom covers the erect penis, preventing sperm from entering the woman’s vagina. Withdrawal of the penis from the vagina avoids the release of semen into the vagina.

Urethra

Tube through which semen is released from the body. Liquid waste (urine) is released through the same tube.

Seminal vesicles

Where sperm is mixed with semen.

Foreskin

Hood of skin covering the end of the penis. Circumcision removes the foreskin.

Scrotum

Sack of thin loose skin containing the testicles.

testicles

Organs that produce sperm.

Prostate

Organ that produces some of the fluid in semen.

Vas deferens

Each of the 2 thin tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the seminal vesicles. Vasectomy involves cutting or blocking these tubes so that no sperm enters the semen.